BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
NOV 2014
RUM SHOP
TALK
T
he first thing you should know is that Barbados is
home to more places of worship per square
kilometre than any other nation in the world. The second
thing you should know is that there is a local rum shop
within walking distance to each one. Some Bajans say
this is why so many different religions are able to thrive
harmoniously on the island.
They are a local
meeting
place
for
friends of every social
and ethic background to talk, drink rum and play
dominoes. Heated discussions of cricket are always
abound, but it’s nothing a shot of the world’s oldest rum
can’t fix.
There is a lot to be said about the rum shops in
Barbados. Here I'll start with ordering your drink. While
you are able to order by the glass, why would you when
you can order by the bottle?
Save the fancy cocktails for a bar.
You may, however, be able to get a rum punch with no
issue. Otherwise, if you're in the mood to get a little
tipsy or downright roast (yes, drunk), then order a mini
(abt 4 drinks) or flask. You will see in the left bottom
area the two sizes next to each other. Or there's the full
bottle for you and your friends. Order your chaser and
you will be given a bowl of ice.
There are approximately 12,000 rum shops scattered
across Barbados, but Bajans are very particular about
what they consider a traditional rum shop.
The Traditional Rum Shop:
In the today’s rum shop, you often see women there.
Sports, politics, or making "bare sport" (jokes) is what
draws us to the rum shop (in addition to the cheap
drinks).
The rum shop was comprised of one main room dimly lit
through narrow barred windows with creaky wooden
floors and walls covered in provocative advertising that
would make most North Americans blush.
The bar rested in the back corner of the room, cluttered
with dusty bottles and lined with mirrored walls.
Some rum shops sell groceries, some have cafes and
finer dining, but most simply provide the basics
including seating, a bar and of course the booze.
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